Indulge in these Sweet and Flaky Cherry Turnovers, featuring a delicious cherry filling encased in golden, puff pastry for a delightful treat.
Author:Alex Lee
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:22 minutes
Total Time:42 minutes
Yield:8 turnovers 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 sheets (17.3 oz total) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 ½ cups cherry pie filling (fresh or canned)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
Turbinado sugar or extra granulated sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a small saucepan, combine cherry pie filling, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
On a lightly floured surface, unroll one puff pastry sheet and, if necessary, gently roll it out to smooth creases. Cut into four equal squares. Repeat with the second sheet for a total of eight squares.
Place about 2–3 tablespoons of the cooled cherry filling in the center of each pastry square, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry square with the egg wash.
Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle and press the edges together to seal. Crimp edges with the tines of a fork to ensure they’re well sealed.
Transfer the turnovers to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Brush the tops with more egg wash and sprinkle lightly with turbinado or granulated sugar.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the turnovers are puffed and golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even coloring.
Remove from the oven and allow the turnovers to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For extra decorative flair, use a sharp knife to cut small slits in the top of each turnover to vent steam. This step also yields a beautiful finished look.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To refresh their crispness, warm in a 350 °F oven for 5 minutes before serving.
For variations, try apple cinnamon or berry fillings using the same method—cherry turnovers are endlessly adaptable!